Indicator for fire extinguishers



May 11 1926. 1,584,128

c. NUHRING INDICATOR FOR FIBE EXT INGUISHERS Filed 0.012. 9, 1924 ar a mg CII Patented May 11, 1926.

warren srarss CHARLES NUHRING, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

INDICATOR FOE FIRE EXTIINGUISHFBS.

Application filed October 9,4924. Serial No.1742fi28.

My invention relates to devices for indieating the condition of a chemical fire extinguisher of ordinary type. Chemical fire extinguishers when charged and in suitable condition for use contain a charge of acid, which when brought into contact with a solution of a bicarbonate, generates a gas which expels the solution through a hose. The acid is usually contained in a vial which must be maintained in an upright position to preserve the condition of the device. lVhen inverted the acid is permitted to discharge from the vial into the solution. Thereafter the extinguisher must be re charged before it is in such shape that it may be used in the event of fire.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a device which will indicate at a glance that the extinguisher after having been charged has been invert-ed so as to discharge. This obviates the possibility of the condition of a discharged extinguisher remaining undisclosed by reason of the reinstatement of the extinguisher to the proper position for maintaining the charge.

Other objects will appear from the following detailed description of my invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective of a chemical eX- tinguisher provided with an indicator in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective of the upper portion of an extinguisher showing the indicator attached to the ring of the stand upon which the extinguisher is set when in inverted position.

Figure 3 is a perspective of the indicator.

Figure 4 is a section on line 44 of Fig ure 3.

Figure 5 is an elevation of the indicator when showing the extinguisher discharged.

The numeral 1 indicates the body portion or casing of an indicator constructed in accordance with this invention; Said body is generally of rectangular box shape, and may be constructed by stamping the same from sheet metal of suitable gauge, or other suitable materials and means of construction may be adopted. The body 1 is provided with an upwardly extending flange 2 which is provided with a semi-cylindrical clamp member 3 on its upper end. The lower end of the body is provided with a tab 4 provided with a perforation 5 and slot 6.

The numeral 7 indicates a cover plate for the body 1. Said cover is also provided with an upwardly extending flange 8 and semi-cylindrical clamp member 9 arranged to co-operate with the member 3. 'The flanges 2 and 8 are perforated for a bolt 10. The plate 7 is constructed of metal similar to the body 1 and is preferably formed by stamping the same. The lower portion of the plate 7 is provided with a tab 11 which is arranged to be inserted through the slot 6 of the tab 4. The tab 11 is also provided with a perforation 12 arranged to register with the perforation 5.

Near its lower portion a section 13 of the plate 7 is slit above and below and pressed inwardly so as to form a pocket 14 closed at the sides by walls 15. A small finger 16 is pressed forwardly from the section 13 and forms a. rest or base in the pocket. The plate 7 around the opening in front of the pocket 14, is provided with fingers 17 which are arranged to secure in front of said opening a transparent panel 18 of celluloid, glass or other suitable material. The pocket 14 is open at the top as clearly shown in Figure 4 in the drawing. The plate 7 is also pressed inwardly above the pocket 14 to form a baflie '19. Fingers are provided in the plate for the purpose of receiving a card 21. upon which information as to the date of recharge is contained, said card being protected by transparent panel 22. Inside the body 1 is a disc 23 of any suitable material which may be provided on one face with the letters 0 K or other suitable legend, as shown in Figure 3. The disc 23 is of such dimensions that it will fit into the pocket 14. The rear wall 13 of the pocket may have printed thereon the word Discharged or other suitable legend, as shown in Figure 5.

The device as described is secured to the ring 24 of an extinguisher by means of the clamp members 3 and 9 engaging thereon. As a modified form of attachment the device may be provided with lateral extensions 25 to which the ends of a strap 26 adapted to fit around the body of the extinguisher is secured.

The operation of the device is as follows:

When the extinguisher has been recharged thev indicator is placed thereon, either as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, with the disc 23 in the pocket 14. At the same time, suitable data is placed behind the transparent panel 22, showing the date of recharge. As long as the disc remains in the pocket 14 it is indicative of the fact that the extinguisher has not been inverted so as to discharge. Upon inversion of the extinguisher the disc slips out of the pocket 14 by gravity, reveal ing the fact that such inversion has taken place. Upon reinstating the extinguisher the disc does not return "to the pocket but remains inside the body The baflle 19 cooperates with the general construction of the device to prevent ready return 01 the disc into the pocket 14.

Having thus "fully disclosed my invention what 1 claim as DEW and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An indicating device for lire extinformed in one of the vertical Walls of said casing, said pocket being open at the top, a transparent panel in front of said pocket and an indicator element adapted to fit into said pocket and to drop therefrom by gravity upon inversion of the device.

2. An indicating device for lire extinguishers, comprising a casing, a pocket formed in one of the vertical walls of said casing, said pocket being open at the top, a transparent panel in front of "said pocket, an indicator element adapted to fit into said pocket and to drop therefrom by gravity upon inversion of the device, and means above said pocket for preventing the return of said indicator element.

CHARLES NUHRING. 

